Businesses pay tax to the environment

Despite popular notions that business is apathetic to environmental protection, there is a small group of companies across the nation that are giving at least 1 percent of their annual net revenues to organizations that promote conservation and preservation.

As of July, members of 1 Percent for the Planet have donated $10 million to various organizations. More than 300 companies have joined the effort.

The businesses agree to a self-imposed "earth tax." Imagine that, self-imposed and tax in the same sentence.

One Percent for the Planet was launched in 2001 by Yvon Chouinard, environmental activist and founder of outdoor clothing company Patagonia Inc., and Craig Mathews, owner of Blue Ribbon Flies. Chouinard and Mathews wanted to unify other companies to help solve the environmental crisis and build successful companies at the same time, according to the organization's Web site.

Business members of this nonprofit group can donate to organizations that work internationally or locally in several fields, including environmental research, litigation or education. Members are then allowed to place a trademarked 1 percent logo on their products.

Several Nevada organizations are listed as benefactors of 1 Percent for the Planet, including The Nature Conservancy of Nevada, Friends of Nevada Wilderness and Champions of the Truckee River.

"On a couple of different locations we have received funds from that program for conservation planning purposes," said Elizabeth Dilly, director of communications for The Nature Conservancy of Nevada. "Those funds have identified highest priority landscapes throughout the state for us to work on concerning habitat preservation."

To find out more about 1 Percent for the Planet visit www.onepercentfortheplanet.org.

A group of Carson City brokers have realized the dream of office ownership.

Coldwell Banker Commercial Premier Brokers moved into its new offices at 223 S. Division St. this week. Agent Andie Wilson called this unique because the building was purchased by a group of Coldwell Banker agents. Oftentimes, an office is owned by one agent or broker.

"It's a huge production to move an office like this," Wilson says. "That's why we bought the building - because it's perfect for us."

Coldwell Banker Commercial PB is moving from its 3,100-square-foot office off North Carson Street to the 3,600-square-foot building.

"It has a private office for all the agents."

The agents who are principals in the business and part-owners of the new building: Jenny Lopiccolo, broker; Dennis Smith; Bob Ford; Cheryl Evans; Brad Bonkowski; Larry Messina and Wilson.

The agency has two newer agents who haven't yet bought in as owners: Mark Held and Nick Maerz.

And in case you've ever wondered how much experienced real estate agents spend on property, Nevada Brokers Group closed the sale on May 24 for $550,000. The former offices of attorneys Beckett and Yott was given a $65,000 remodel done by Lopiccolo Construction, of Carson City.

Office phone numbers will remain the same. The main number is 888-6200 and the fax is 888-6201.

• Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.